South girls hoops loses OT heartbreaker to Amherst
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Jenny Newhouse's two free throws with four seconds left in overtime sealed a 48-47 win for Amherst Central over Williamsville South in a non-league girls basketball game last Thursday at South.

Tied at 40-40 after regulation the lead switched back and forth in overtime. South had taken a 47-46 advantage with 36 seconds remaining after a three-pointer by Cassiana Hyppolite.

On Amherst's ensuing possession, South guard Sarah Marcus got into a passing lane and tipped the ball away intended from an Amherst player. Marcus and Newhouse scrambled for the loose ball at half court and a foul was called on Marcus. Newhouse hit both free throws.

"It was a fantastic hustle play by both that didn't go our way," said South coach Erik Solomon.

Marcus brought the ball up and heaved a 12-footer that didn't go in. Marcus scored four points in the extra session.

South had several chances to win the game in regulation. Solomon said his team missed all five of its free throw attempts in the fourth quarter and overtime which if they were made, would have sealed the game for his team.

"The missed free throws were a killer," said Solomon. "No doubt about it. We also really struggled in the third and fourth quarters, scoring only six in each quarter."

South finished 45 percent (9 of 20) from the free throw line. They shot 31 percent from the floor and made only one three. Amherst also outrebounded South on the offensive boards, 22-20.

South overcame a 17-10 deficit after the first quarter by attacking gaps in Amherst's zone in the second quarter to outscore them 18-5 and go ahead, 28-22, at halftime. Marcus scored eight of her 21 points in the second quarter.

"Sarah made some good decisions with the ball," said Solomon. "Instead of going right at Newhouse, she would pull up and hit some five, six, or eight-footers."

South led, 34-29, after three quarters.

Amherst's Casey McGuire made 1 of 2 free throws with five seconds left to force overtime. McGuire finished with two points.

"The second half was a test of our fitness and patience to come from behind,' said Amherst coach JoAnna Fildes. "I would like to congratulate both teams on a hard fought game. I would like to commend the entire Amherst team for never giving up and playing with maturity."

Newhouse led Amherst with 16 points. Eva Lankes had 12. Amy Simon (eight points), Daisy Timlin and Elana Korn (five points each) also helped the Lady Tigers.

Jequanna Roberts, who burned South for 13 points, 10 steals and nine assists in Amherst's 50-35 non-league home win on Jan. 8, did not play.

Marcus also had four rebounds to go with her 21 points. Hyppolite finished with nine points, eight rebounds and five steals. Joanna Ostroot (nine points, nine rebounds), Molly Hofher (four points), Heather Caputi and Alyssa Ashcroft (two points each) and Claire Licata and Allison Couche (five rebounds each) also contributed.

Amherst (10-5, 5-4) hosted Maryvale on Tuesday but the result was unavailable before The Bee went to press. They play at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at Starpoint.

South (5-10, 3-5) returned to action on Tuesday at Iroquois but the result was unavailable before The Bee went to press. The Lady Billies play at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at West Seneca East.